The
importance of understanding the basics of contract law cannot be
overstated because it underpins, and intertwines, with many other areas of
law. Because contract law is often one of the first subjects
students study at undergraduate level, it is therefore important to pick
the right textbook (and there are so many to choose from). Being
part of Oxford University Press' Core Text Series, The Law of
Contract by Janet O'Sullivan and Jonathan Hilliard aims to provide
an essential guide for undergraduate and GDL students. To my mind,
there are very few which are better than The Law of Contract: it
provides one of the clearest and most coherent introductions to this
fascinating and important area of law.

The Law of Contract, now in its sixth
edition, is split into nineteen chapters: general themes and issues;
offer and acceptance I: general principles; offer and acceptance II:
three applications of general principles; certainty; contracts which
fail to materialise; consideration and estoppel; privitiy; terms of the
contract I; terms of the contract II: exemption clauses and unfair
terms; misrepresentation and non-disclosure; duress; undue influence;
unconscionable bargains; common mistake; frustration; discharge of a
contract for breach; remedies I: compensatory damages; remedies II:
specific remedies; and remedies III: other non-compensatory remedies.
There are also two chapters on the Online Resource Centre ("ORC"):
incapacity; and illegality and public policy.

The Law of Contract is both
well-balanced and superbly written. It impressively provides a
succinct narrative on basic contractual principles while, at the same
time, expanding on those issues requiring a fuller consideration.
The layout is excellent with the material being clearly set-out and well
cross-referenced. Each chapter importantly includes a summary and
suggestions for further reading: this is ideal for independent research.
This latest edition also seamlessly incorporates the latest developments
in contract law including the Law Commission's revised recommendations from March
2013 and important decisions from the Court including Jet2.com
Limited v Blackpool Airport Limited [2012] EWCA Civ 417.

There are few, if any, better introductory
contract law texts out there than The Law of Contract. The material is succinct and
accessible. The authors' mixture of academic and
practical experience means it is also fluidly written (which makes
reading this text a joy). At a little over £25, I recommend
The Law of Contract to anyone studying contract law or any practitioner who needs a
handy text to quickly look-up important issues. Without it, a
significant amount of time will no doubt be spent researching the law in
more detailed texts. It is certainly a text which I do keep, and
will continue to keep, close to
hand (and one which I consult on a regular basis).